Nikki's News

Rep. Nikki Rivera February 20, 2025 | 9:59 AM

Dear Neighbor,

Tell Us About You!

Hello, Northern Lancaster City, Manheim Township & East Petersburg! Our office has received many great responses so far and I’m excited to hear from others within the legislative district. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete this survey to share your topic(s) of interest/concern.

Tell Us About You!

Fighting For Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania needs federal funding so it has the resources required to continue critical work. Trump has blocked our access to our $2.1 billion in congressionally appropriated funds -- an immoral, unacceptable and unconstitutional attack on PA families, communities and economic stability. I strongly support Gov. Josh Shapiro’s action to protect Pennsylvanians, support our communities and cut costs by challenging this funding freeze. I stress that these funds were LEGALLY APPROVED by Congress and are crucial to supporting working families, rural communities and public safety initiatives across the commonwealth. In the face of chaos and confusion, Gov. Shapiro is showing strong leadership and fighting back to ensure that the state can access these federal dollars -- funding that was already appropriated by Congress -- to continue important work that directly impacts Pennsylvanians.

In the District

Supporting Women in STEM

I had a great Valentine’s Day at Thaddeus Stevens College celebrating the legacy of Lydia Hamilton Smith, Black History Month, and women who pursue tech careers. I will continue to support funding to advance young women interested in STEM careers. My sincere thanks to President Pedro Rivera and his team for offering an inspiring program and panel discussion on women in tech fields, and to my friend John Maina for inviting me to this event.

Meeting with the Scouts

Scouts ALWAYS have great questions about how the community works. Happy to share my thoughts with these scouts about our freedoms, voting and what we can all do to bridge the divide in our country.

Millersville University: The Crown Jewel of Central PA

What a great resource we have at Millersville University! Dr. Wubah’s leadership exemplifies MU’s vision, core values, and community partnerships. It’s truly wonderful to have such an amazing partner in fostering talent in Central PA.

Fair Elections

I’m a big supporter of Fair Districts PA, which strives to end gerrymandering of political maps through a plan to create an independent redistricting commission.

Grants for Our District

I am very glad our local fire and EMS companies will have nearly $100,000 in state funding to support their life-saving operations. Learn more here.

Government Programs

Don’t get left in the cold! Home Heating Assistance is Available

Many people are concerned about the cost of heating their homes. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help qualifying families with these bills, and it’s not too late to apply!

LIHEAP helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant ranging from $200 to $1,000 depending on household size, income, and fuel type. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Now Accepting Applications!

The state’s popular Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now accepting applications! This state program helps older adults and people with disabilities who qualify based on income by giving them a rebate (up to $1,000) on property taxes or rent paid in 2024.

To find out more about the program, or to start your application, visit mypath.pa.gov. Or call my office and we’ll be happy to help! Please consider sharing this program information if you know someone who may qualify.

Check out your Local Library’s Store of Treasures

Want to enter a whole new world -- for free? Check out an extraordinary novel, or a thrilling biography or the latest Hollywood blockbuster at your local library.

Find out here about your local libraries and learn about all the resources it has available!

Home - Manheim Township Public Library & Home - Lancaster Public Library

Housing Resources

The PAHAF program provides assistance for the following mortgage and housing-related expenses: to address mortgage delinquencies and avoid default, foreclosure, and displacement as a result of COVID-19 pandemic related financial hardships.

The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund continues to accept new applications that will be assigned to the waitlist. PAHAF will not be paying or approving forward mortgage assistance for any months past the month of June 2025. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply here: Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund.

Lancaster City Critical Repair Program

Do you want to stay in your family home but can’t afford the repairs?

The Critical Repair Program provides inspections, project management and grant-based funding for emergency repairs of major systems within owner-occupied homes in the city of Lancaster.

Repairs that are eligible:

• Furnaces and water heaters that are not currently working or have been red-tagged.

• Major plumbing leaks and/or sewer back-ups.

• Actively leaking roofs.

• Potentially hazardous electrical issues.

• Structural damage and hazards such as missing stairs.

Limited funds are available, and every effort is made to address the most critical needs. City staff will perform an inspection to determine eligibility and priority.

Income Limits Apply:

• Households must be at or below 80% of AMI (Area Median Income) to qualify. For a family of four, this is $76,400 or less.

After the repair is approved by city staff, an application must be submitted, along with the requested documentation. Applicants must be the owner of the property and use the property as their primary residence. They must provide proof of current homeowners’ insurance.If your home is in need of a major repair as listed above, please call our team for an appointment with a knowledgeable inspector, who will also provide an application if the repair is eligible: Critical Repair Program | City of Lancaster, PA.